Jennifer Lawrence’s New Film Die My Love Explores Postpartum Psychosis – Here’s All You Need To Know About It

Motherhood is not an easy journey. Postpartum brings with itself a plethora of challenges, and at times, even mental health conditions. One such condition is postpartum psychosis. Recently, Jennifer Lawrence-Robert Pattinson’s new film Die My Love explored postpartum psychosis in all its glory and horror. The film is a tale of a young mother, whose slow descent into psychosis has been narrated from a raw and real lens. Die My Love yet again brings psychosis into focus, making it a dinner table conversation. Today, we will tell you all about the condition. Keep reading.

To get an expert’s perspective on this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to experts – Dr Shelly Singh, Director Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis La Femme GK and Dr Sameer Bhargava, Psychiatrist at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad. Let’s take a look at what they have to say.

What Is Postpartum Psychosis? Know Its Causes

Firstly, let us tell you that psychosis is not a condition in its entirety, but a collection of symptoms. It refers to disconnection from reality. Patients suffering from psychosis may develop false beliefs or have experiences which aren’t real.

Postpartum psychosis (PP) is an acute and severe psychiatric illness with onset within weeks after delivery, and a high risk of suicide and infanticide. Most women will experience severe mood symptoms, including mania, mixed episodes, or depression with psychotic features.

But what causes psychosis? Dr Singh lists the probable causes of postpartum psychosis:

• Pre-existing mental health issues – like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia etc.
• Genetic – a family history of mental health disorders.
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy.
• Sleep deprivation.
• Disturbances of vitamins and pregnancy related conditions (It is more common with Vitamin B1 or B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalance, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy like preeclampsia and eclampsia).

“Postpartum psychosis is more common in first pregnancies but there is a chance of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies too,” says Dr Singh.

“Psychosis occurs due to imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, glutamate and serotonin. This imbalance can occur due to various mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, mood disorders (bipolar disorder or severe depression) etc. It may occur due to substance use such as alcohol, cannabis or other stimulant drugs; psychosis may occur in severe general health problems such as prolonged icu stay, renal disorders, autoimmune disorders or various neurological disorders. Genetic predisposition also plays a major role in making a person more vulnerable towards psychosis,” explains Dr Bhargava.

Symptoms Of Postpartum Psychosis

On this note, Dr Singh shares the symptoms of postpartum psychosis:

• Agitation
• Aggression
• Inability to sleep
• Talking faster or more
• Delusions of grandeur
• Depressive features include –
• Feeling low
• Tearfulness
• Anxiety
• Severe confusion

“There is a dissociation from reality. There may be paranoia and behaviour changes, delusions, hallucinations, self harm or harm to the baby. Postpartum psychosis is different from postpartum blues and postpartum depression, which are not as dangerous and are self limiting,” explains Dr Singh.

Also Read: Why The First 40 Days After Birth Are Crucial for Mother and Baby? Know From an Expert

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Postpartum Psychosis

How do we know if someone is suffering from psychosis? Our expert answers this for us. “An obstetrician or a psychiatrist can take a good look at history of symptoms, a family history of mental health or postpartum psychosis in a previous pregnancy. A physical and neurological examination may be done to rule out other disorders. Some blood tests to rule out conditions such as thyroid disease, electrolyte imbalance, vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be done. Imaging scans like CT scans or MRI can also be done if there is a suspicion of other neurological conditions which may mimic features of postpartum psychosis. Once these are ruled out, a definitive diagnosis of postpartum psychosis can be made,” explains Dr Singh.

The next thought that might have come to your mind is: is this treatable? “Yes, postpartum psychosis can be treated and it may take 2-12 weeks for some, and 6-12 months of treatment for cure for others,” says Dr Singh. She breaks down the treatment options for us. Let’s take a look:

• Treatment needs to be done in the psychiatric department. With hospitalisation, round the clock vigilance can be provided as women suffering from postpartum psychosis can harm themselves or their babies.
• Medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti seizure medicines and mood stabilisers like Lithium are needed.
• ECT or Electroconvulsive treatment.
• Cognitive Behavioural therapy or psychotherapy are also an essential part of treatment.

Dr Bhargava seconds this view. He adds, “Psychosis is a completely treatable disorder where detailed examination of the patient by a psychiatrist is needed for diagnosis and further management with a bio-psycho-social approach.”

Speaking on whether postpartum psychosis can damage the brain or not, Dr Bhargava says, “In previous research, it has been noted that untreated psychosis does cause cognitive decline and atrophic changes in the brain earlier than the general population. Time duration of untreated psychosis has a direct correlation with poor prognosis.”

How To Support Someone Suffering From Postpartum Psychosis

Living with someone who is suffering from psychosis can be challenging, but one needs to support them in every stage. Our expert explains this for us.

“Once someone is suspected of having this condition, it is of prime importance to not just treat them but also prevent injuries or self harm or harm to the baby. A non judgemental, supportive attitude from the husband/partner, family and friends is desired. Early medical treatment without delay goes a long way. These patients require a lot of sympathy and empathy in handling this dangerous emergency which can threaten not just theirs, but their babies lives as well ,and which is not in their control,” concludes Dr Singh.

Also Read: Is It Normal to Feel Anxious or Depressed While Pregnant?

The Final Word

Postpartum psychosis is an acute and severe psychiatric illness with onset within weeks after delivery. It can be cured with proper diagnosis, treatment and support from closed ones.